HALLE, WESTPHALIA/STARNBERG, June 22, 2024
Jannik Sinner and Hubert Hurkacz will compete in Sunday’s singles final of the Terra Wortmann Open. Sinner defeated Zhizhen Zhang of China 6-4, 7-6(3) in the stage of the last four on Saturday.
The top seed of the ATP 500 grass-court event in Halle, Westphalia withstood nine aces and saved the only break point he faced to secure victory in one hour and 39 minutes.
No stopping Sinner 🫡
World No.1 @janniksin defeats Zhang 6-4 7-4 for his first final in Halle! #TerraWortmannOpen pic.twitter.com/oE4bcWPIo9
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 22, 2024
“It means a lot. I had four very tough matches to go to the final,” Sinner said in his post-match interview. “It was a good match today. Definitely more rallies than yesterday and that’s exactly what I needed today. I’m happy and let’s see what’s coming tomorrow.”
The 22-year-old Italian is aiming to become the eighth man in ATP Rankings history to clinch a title in his debut event as World No. 1, a feat last achieved by Andy Murray at the 2016 Nitto ATP Finals.
Hurkacz returns to Halle final
Hurkacz edged out No. 2 seed and home favourite Alexander Zverev 7-6(2), 6-4. The 2022 Halle champion hammered 17 aces and won 81 per cent of his first-service points to advance in one hour and 35 minutes.
Without dropping a set 😳@HubertHurkacz defeats Zverev 7-6 6-4 to make the Halle final!#TerraWortmannOpen pic.twitter.com/y06DZA6qb1
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 22, 2024
“It needed to be really good,” Hurkacz said. “He is such a good competitor and is playing good tennis, reaching the final at the French [Roland Garros] and playing at a really high level.
“I am really confident on my serve. I am serving really good. There were some moments but I managed to believe in my game and hit some good serves and good shots, so I stayed pretty calm.”
The 27-year-old from Poland will aim to clinch his ninth ATP Tour career title.
Ralf Weber: “One of the beste editions”
Earlier in the day, tournament director Ralf Weber has praised the 31st Terra Wortmann Open as “one of the best editions” in the history of the ATP 500 grass-court event:
“The new world number one, the Olympic champion and French Open finalist, along with other top 10 stars and German aces in strong form – it was a thrilling event with Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and others,” said Weber. “Fans literally witnessed great tennis. They experienced gripping duels and an outstanding atmosphere every step of the way.”
By the final Sunday, around 100,000 spectators will have witnessed the matches in the OWL ARENA and on the other courts.
